Classic Cars, Papal Rides, Local Pride Roll into Swampscott’s Annual Car Show

Many people came to the Town Hall area in Swampscott to check out the car show || Monica Sager
Cars were on the Town Hall Lawn. || Monica Sager
Cars had their hoods up for people to check out the engines || Monica Sager
There were many old cars || Monica Sager
A few cars featured flame designs || Monica Sager
cars varied in model and year || Monica Sager
Dozens of cars were at the event || Monica Sager
Different cars were tricked out || Monica Sager
A few larger cars and trucks were featured || Monica Sager
An orange truck was on display || Monica Sager

Frank Gagliardi just happened to see a listing in the paper for an auction in California, and one item jumped out: a Ferrari once ridden by Pope John Paul II.

The pontiff had visited the Ferrari factory in Maranello in 1988. He was originally set to bless the factory from his popemobile, but then he had a different idea.

“This car had just come out of the factory line,” Maranello said. “He asked, ‘Why do I have to do this in my popemobile? What about that car?’”

They removed the front seat of the 1988 Ferrari Mondial Cabriolet, and Pope John Paul II climbed in, riding around the factory grounds to bless it.

Frank Gagliardi stands with his Ferrari that Pope John Paul II rode in || Monica Sager

The Pope Ferrari in addition to dozens of other old as well as tricked out cars were featured in Swampscott’s classic car show on Sunday. The event took place on the Town Hall Lawn and across the street at Linscott Park. Vehicles ranged from a 1952 Ford F1 to a 1955 Chevy Bel Air and a 1962 Corvette, offering something for every kind of car enthusiast.

For Rob Salzer, the show was a chance to share a piece of family pride. His iconic blue 1978 Datsun 280Z was his son’s dream car. Salzer tracked one down while his son was on active duty. He added with a smile that his son gave him a lot of requirements for exactly what to look for.

“It’s a fun car to drive,” Salzer said.

Rob Salazar stands with his 1978 Datsun 280Z || Monica Sager

Vinny Bitto also brought out something special: his Pontiac GTO.

“It’s fun,” Bitto said. “It’s a rare car.”

Though he usually shows a different vehicle, Bitto decided to “dust off the cobwebs” and bring the GTO out.

Vinny Bitto stands with his rare car || Monica Sager

“I want to get this car mechanically fit,” Bitto said. “I’m just a car guy. I’ve always been.”

The same is true for Dana Brown, who found his 1936 Ford Coupe listed on Facebook Marketplace in Connecticut.

“People saw it when I got it, and they said they knew that car,” Brown said. “I kind of brought it back to life.”

Dana Brown stands with his Ford || Monica Sager

Since buying it, Brown has restored the hubcaps, dashboard, and even the headlights. He can point to where each piece came from, and he noted that the Coupe used to live nearby, making its return to the area feel like a homecoming.

Brown said the car has also become a bridge to community. Some people recognize it from their childhoods. Others want to sit in it. Children are often in awe.

“This one’s always a good one,” Brown said. “I’ve had a couple of cars. It’s a fun hobby.”